Tag: sewing

Marsha Style, Alexis Pants and Discount Code

Sewing the Alexis Trouser Pattern by Marsha Style.

When Taree reached out to me and told me she wanted to call her next pattern, The Alexis Pants, my first thought was why? Hahaha, kidding! I was on complete shock and was truly honored!!

On top of the great name is that are FREAKING SO CUTE!! Not to mention very on trend! I see slouchy pants in every RTW store and every fashion magazine.

I still can’t believe I am sewing pleats in my pants. I used to cringe when I saw pleats in pants. HA!

Little bit about the pattern before I share the 3 pants I. made… Available in sizes 2-22 (waist width 24″- 44″). The pattern calls for 2.7- 3.3 yards of 56″ fabric. The pattern is best for intermediate sewist. The pattern is best for woven fabrics like cotton, linen and wool.

As mentioned above, I made 3 pairs of pants. In each I made slightly different sizes.

The first pair of pants I made, I started with a size 8 in the waist and a size 6 in the waist. After my first fit check I took in the waist about an 1″ (basically a size 6). This was my very first pair before testing had started. My waist is 30″ and hips 36 1/2″.

WASHED LINEN – OATMEAL From Blackbird Fabrics

The 2nd pair I made I did cut a size 6 in the waist and hips.

Minerva Core Range Stretch Woven Viscose Twill Suiting Fabric

Last pair I made, I cut a size 6 in the waist and a size 4 in the hips for a tailored fit.

The Green Linen is from Terra Textilia.

Thank you for taking the time to read the blog! I have a special treat for you all! A 20% discount to use on your own Alexis Pants Pattern. Used code: ALEXIS20

Until next time,

-Alexis

Mood Sewing Network Collaboration- 2nd Month

Mood Sewing Network Collaboration

I have had these looks in my head since my 1st month so now it’s time to share my looks with you all and I could not be more excited!!

Let’s first dive in…

FABRIC:

  1. Ivory, Meteorite and Metallic Silver Pencil Striped Stretch Delave Linen and Rayon Woven

2. Mood Exclusive Linear Transcendence Natural Linen and Rayon Woven

Dress Inspiration:

I spotted the Vali dress by Pattern Fantastique a month or so ago and it really spoke to my need for an everyday dress but with a flare of style. It’s loose without being too baggy, stylish yet everyday, retro yet modern.

I choose to make the lower neckline with inseam pockets. The fabric has a raw, earthy feel and is made from a rayon linen. It paired perfectly with the style of the Vali dress. The fabric is a medium weight with some structure and no stretch.

Fabric colors: Navy, mustard, rust with a creamy natural background.

I made the size 8 and I found it true to size and I would not make any changes other than I may shorten it an 1″- 1 1/2″ for my next dress. Not because I thought it was too long but just to have a bit shorter dress. So a personal decision!

2nd Mood Fabric Make…

Blouse Inspiration:

For the next Mood make, I choose to The Anthea blouse pattern. I almost made another Vali dress with the black and white stripe fabric but then the Anthea blouse came out and I knew I needed to make that! It’s a gathered sleeve, button down, collarless blouse pattern that also includes a dress length version. The fabric is a rayon linen with structure with the prettiest silver thread running through the black stripe. As soon as I got it, I knew I needed more to make more garments!!

Fit: I made a size 2 and found it true to size. It does have a generous ease but would not size down. I did have to adjust the sleeve width due to the weight and structure of the fabric. I took in 4″ of sleeve width. After sewing in the sleeve for the first time, with the original sleeve width, I found it to be overwhelming poofy. So, I seam ripped it out and then adjust the sleeve pattern by cutting and slimming it by 4″.

Do you see the bunny behind me?

I paired the blouse with Persephone shorts!

I want to also go over a couple more great advantages about joining the Mood Sewing Network and being an MOOD INSIDER…

Last month we chatted about one of my favorite advantages of being a Mood Insider, the free shipping, this month let’s chat about 3 more advantage…

  • Dollar swatches
  • Early access to new arrival
  • Exclusive access to remnants

I have several swatched now and it’s been super helpful in deciding which fabric to work with each month. They arrive quickly and then I am back on the website finalizing my decision.

Ok, call me silly but I also love being the first to know about the new and latest fabric. As an Insider getting to see the new arrivals first is a happy plus!!

Just about every other day I search through the exclusive remnants page looking for all the treasures. There are some great fabrics and amazing prices!

MOOD FABRICS CODE:

First of all, thank you for reading! So as an appreciation here’s my Mood Discount Code:

10% using code: MSNAW221

  • Coupon fine print:  Offer valid online only and expires per customer with use. 10% off your order, discount applied at checkout. Not be combined with any other offers, coupon codes, etc. Excludes items beginning with PV, SUN, and AWG.

Until next time

-Alexis

Mood Sewing Network Collaboration

Mood Fabric Collaboration

I am so excited, I think I may burst from excitement, to share with you that I will be part of the Mood Sewing Network for the next few months. Mood Fabrics has always been a huge inspiration in my sewing journey. From their beauty and unique fabrics to their educational information on their blog and Instagram page.

Before I get into it, make sure to read to the end because I may have a coupon code linked. Wink, wink!

For my first month, with Mood Sewing Network, I choose a super popular trend that I have seen in every RTW store and all over Pinterest.  It is of course The Blazer! It’s not just made for Fall or Winter anymore, it can easily be worked in at Spring and even Summer, depending on the fabric chosen.

INSPIRATION:

FABRIC:

  1. Wide Ostrava Oatmeal Linen Woven
  2. Black Hemp and Organic Cotton Canvas

PATTERN:

I choose Friday Pattern Co new pattern, The Heather Blazer to pair with the Oatmeal Linen and True Bias Lander shorts to pair with the Black Hemp Canvas.

I have made the True Bias Lander shorts/pants many times and they are a tried and true favorite. They were the first real pants I made in my sewing journey and now 2 years later they are still on the top of my list to make. The pattern is great for an intermediate and above sewist. The Hemp Canvas was a breeze to sew with and I love that the fabric is a natural fiber making it a sustainable material. The fabric has a stiff drape that nicely keeps the shape of the shorts. I recommend using a Jean needle

The Heather Blazer is a new pattern from Friday Pattern Co and I am beyond thrilled with how it turned out! The tutorial was easy to follow and there is also a sew-a-long video for extra help. I mainly watched the sew-a-long video since I am a visual person. This pattern is also perfect for an intermediate and above sewist. It paired perfectly with the Ostrava Oatmeal Linen. The Linen is a medium weight fabric with great structure for this jacket. Great fabric for Spring to Summer linen projects. I wore the jacket to my kid’s soccer games during a breezy 75-80 degree day and felt perfectly comfortable.

FIT & MODIFICATIONS:

Let’s first chat about the Heather Blazer and the fitting and my mods. The fit is oversized in both length and width.  Knowing this I decided to size down as well as decreasing the length by 1”.  I decreased the length on every piece other than the sleeve pattern pieces. What I did forget to do was decrease the length of the pockets. It worked out ok this time but next time I think I will shorten them as well. I was very happy with the fit and I am already planning to make more!

Next up were the Lander shorts. They are designed to be fitted at the waist to semi fitted to a relaxed fit at the hips and legs. Honestly fitting pants/shorts is personal to each person. Our bodies, especially our lower half typically fall all over the size chart. We aren’t just one size and that’s what makes us so beautiful!! For my Lander’s I start with a size 6 at the waist and hips. Usually with pants I grade down a size or two at the hips but with these shorts I wanted to keep them flared away from my legs. After my first fit check I did go back and bring in the waist about ¼” on each side along the waist, prior to sewing on my waistband.  I am very pleased with the final fit, so I plan to make a few more for Summer!

FINAL THOUGHTS AND A BIT ABOUT THE MOOD SEWING NETWORK.

This is my favorite outfit in my closet right now! I have had this look in my head for a while and Mood had the exact fabric to bring my dream to life! As a part of my collaboration with Mood, I was gifted a 3-month access to the Mood Insider Program. Be sure to check out the page for all the details but I want to highlight one of my favorite perks and that is FREE SHIPPING. I hate paying for shipping so I always look for ways to not pay for shipping, especially if it’s from a place I often purchase from. Of course there are more perks then just free shipping (but that is a GREAT one) and I will be sharing more next month! You can join HERE!

For the Lining I used Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids in Sand

MOOD FABRICS CODE:

First of all, thank you for reading! So as an appreciation here’s my Mood Discount Code:

10% using code: MSNAW221

  • Coupon fine print:  Offer valid online only and expires per customer with use. 10% off your order, discount applied at checkout. Not be combined with any other offers, coupon codes, etc. Excludes items beginning with PV, SUN, and AWG.

Until next time

-Alexis

What I have been up to…

Sewing, Fabric and Patterns I have used so far in 2021.

It’s been a hot minute since I have blogged!! I am usually just posting on IG or posting on Minerva’s site. So what have I been up to? Well, mainly sewing, gardening and home schooling.

This won’t be a long post just wanted to pop in here and share a few of my favorite makes this year…

Dress details: McCall’s M7947 made with Nani iro Linen from Minerva

Added Delia Creates Carrie cardigan to the McCall’s dress.

Marlo sweater from True Bias made with Cotton Cable Knit in Rose Pink from Minerva.

Rya Coat from Fibremood, made with Wool from Metermeter.

Wiksten Shift Dress made with Jessica Swift Pollinator Collection.

Top details : True Bias Nikko top made with knit from Style Makers (Color: Sand). Jeans details: Dawn Jeans by Megan Nielsen.

Last but not least… gardening! HA, yes gardening. I started pre-seeding for all my Summer plants. Do you have plans for summer gardening?

Until next time,

-Alexis

Sonata Showcase

Sonata Showcase

What? I blogged?!!!! Hello, blogging world. It’s been awhile since we meet.

First of all HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Today is my stop on the Sonata Showcase and I am very excited to share my make with you! Amy Sinibaldi, one of Art Gallery Fabrics Designers, recently released her 7th collection and this is maybe my favorite. I love the airy, bright and sweet look she infuses to each of her collections and Sonata is no different. 

Sonata is designed from Amy’s love of classical music, particularly Ludwig van Beethoven. 

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The hardest part of this make was not only deciding who to sew for , myself or my daughter, but which print or prints to use. I decided to sew for myself  because I am working to grow my handmade wardrobe as well as adding new Spring pieces. This collection is chalk full of beautifully bright colors and floral prints. One of them has the most adorable strawberry accent ever. 

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I chose to use Ink Night for the skirt.  To go with it I made two tops.  I used Floral No 9 in Bold for one and the other was made with Pastoral Rayon in Crescendo.   

All 3 pieces are amazingly beautiful and Spring ready!

The patterns I chose to compliment the Sonata fabric for the skirt is the Justine pattern by Ready to Sew.  For the top I chose the Ogden Cami from True Bias. 

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My favorite part of this skirt is the pockets! HUGE HUGE pockets!

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I am so happy to have made the skirt with the simple black and white print. I can match it with so many different prints or a simple solid.  I plan to wear this on Easter Sunday.  Now to decide which top to wear, maybe a mid-day switch-a-roo??!!! HA! 

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I totally dig that low back! Eeeek!

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Well friends, I hope you enjoyed my stop on the Sonata Showcase! Hope you have been able to follow along so far but if not, catch up on Amy’s IG page!

Until next time

-Alexis

SonataShowcaseMakers

Tallinn​ Blog Tour- Jessica Swift

Hello, friends and happy Friday!

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I am so excited to share with you Jessica Swift’s first fabric collection with Art Gallery Fabrics. Thinking back to all my firsts I remember how thrilling, scary, rewarding, exhausting and emotional it can be.  So, congratulations Jessica on your first of many more fabric collections to come!!

Tallinn is currently in stores and is full of rich colors and folk designs.

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Here’s the full schedule for the tour:

Thursday, April 19 – Mathew Boudreaux | Mister Domestic

Friday, April 20 – Katie Skoog | The Simple Life Company

Monday, April 23 – Sharon Holland

Tuesday, April 24 – Eleri Kerian | Sew and Tell Project

Wednesday, April 25 – Paola Baker | Love of Fabrics

Thursday, April 26 – Maureen Cracknell

Friday, April 27 – Alexis Wright | My Sweet Sunshine Studio

Monday, April 30 – Isabelle Selak | South Bay Bella Studio

Tuesday, May 1 – Cassie Massolia | Lily Shine Creates

Wednesday,y May 2 – Becca Plymale | Sunflower Seams

Thursday, May 3 – Alisa Kutsel | A Stitch In Between

Friday, May 4 – Sharon McConnell | Color Girl Quilts

Monday, May 7 – Karen O’Connor | Lady K Quilt Designs

Tuesday, May 8 – Sarai Schuk | Sarai’s Hobbies

Wednesday, May 9 – Elise Baek | Elise & Emelie

Thursday, May 10 – Jessica Swift

Friday, May 11 – Gwyn LaSpina

Monday, May 14 – Loni Jakubowski | Havin Sew Much Fun

Since my daughter is now at the ripe old age of 13, I have to let her pick the fabric and what pattern I am going to use. I was not surprised when she picked Tigris Indigo. She is a HUGE animal lover and has always been drawn to animal designs and prints. I was excited as well as those are some of my favorite colors on her. The beautiful deep but bright blue enhances her eye color and the red accents her rosy cheeks and lips.

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I currently have a thing for black and white photos so I took my favorite pic and editing it to black and white. While it does not show the fabric details I think it portrays more emotion.

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I was working on my 1001 pattern (kidding) for Violette Field Threads, Olive, so naturally, I used it to make one for the blog tour. I did the top length since this teen prefers them over dresses.

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Looking for more inspiration?  Explore the Tallinn Fabrics collection: The Collection | The Lookbook | On Instagram 

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Thank you for stopping by!! If you are a maker and will be sharing your creations on Facebook or Instagram be sure to use Tallinn hashtag! #TallinnFabrics and #TallinnFabricsBlogTour.

Until next time!

-Alexis

 

 

Alley Cat Romper by Lil Luxe Collection (and Giveaway)

Hello Beautiful.

I hope everyone is having a great week!

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Lately my daughter has been wearing a ton of Rompers. The girl is smart, it makes getting dressed in the morning easier for both her and I ! So while I was wasting time one day on Facebook a post popped up in my news feed of this adorable Romper. I first showed my daughter and she immediately begged me to make it. I crossed my fingers and toes and hope to be one of the lucky ladies to test the Alley Cat Romper by Lil Luxe Collection.  The Owner of Lil Luxe Collection, Jessica, was so easy and wonderful to work with!! In fact, testing went so well, thanks to an already great pattern, she released her newest pattern a week early!!! She currently has 4 patterns for sale so be sure to check the others out too!

Purchase HERE

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Nitty Gritty on the Alley Cat Romper Pattern:

*Sizes-18mnth to 8yr

*Print your own size

*Made with Knit

*Ankle length or push the cuff up for a Capri length (my daughter loved the Capri length)

*Low back to make it easy to get on and off

*1.5hrs- 2hrs sewing time

*Relaxed/Baggy fit in the legs-Similar to Harlem Pants

The first Romper I made was all knit, size 8 in the bodice and 7 in the length. The top is made to be snug but not to worry It is comes off easily because of the lower back.

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Purple Floral Fabric by Wanderlust and Gray knit Fabric purchased at the LA fabric district

The second Romper I made was a mix of Fabric mediums, Knit and Peach skin. I modified the legs slightly by shortening the cuff for a capri length. Ladies, this pattern is so easy to modify I love it.  Or keep it as the original because either way you will end up with a trendy, professional sewn and adorable romper.

Purchase HERE

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Knit Fabric (bodice) is Art Gallery, Arizona Collection. Peach skin (bottoms) is from Girl Charlee

More info on Lil Luxe Collection Blog on Saturday August 23rd on how to change this Romper into a dress!!! Let me tell you it is just as GREAT!!!

 

IMG_8001Thank you Jessica for letting me test for you!!! 🙂

Oh and did I mention she is having a giveaway!!!???!!!

CLICK on the Rafflecoptor words below…

a Rafflecopter giveaway